Sunday, October 20, 2013

I was asked by Foodie.com to make 4 "collections" of the top spots in Los Angeles. It's a pretty easy way to make lists, I can just search for a restaurant and click to add to my collections (it's not just for restaurants but you can do the same for recipes on the site as well). Then you write a blurb about why it's in your collection. So far it's quite easy to use although the search results give you restaurants from around the country so for common names you have to sift through a bit.

Well, anyway, here are two collections that I made. One is LA's best restaurants from special occasion dining, from steak to sushi worthy of a splurge and celebration! (note: the widgets unfortunately don't show the full collections. To see the other restaurants you'd have to click "See collection")

Another collection I did is the LA restaurants with the best cocktail bars (yes, there are many other great cocktail bars but I specifically chose the ones in a restaurant for this). I ventured as far as Pasadena (1886 Bar - technically separate but it's connected to the Raymond Restaurant after all) and Seal Beach (320 Main).

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

In honor of "cocktail week" (although yes, I realize we're at the tail end of it), I thought I'd finally bust out my list of favorite cocktail bars (or restaurant+bar) in LA!

This has been sitting in my draft box for a while - I was hoping to go back to some and take better photos and hit my to-do list. I'll just have to update it later :)Tiki Ti4427 W Sunset Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90027 (323) 669-9381A tiny family-owned tiki bar that's usually packed with people yelling "toro! toro! toro!" while the bartender tops off your Blood&Sands. An uber-fun place like no other, and if you're one of those guys who always forget about dress codes and end up with flip flops when you're supposed to go drinking, then this is your place. Pictured above is my favorite, the Missionary's Downfall.

Seven Grand515 W 7th St Los Angeles, CA 90014(213) 614-0737Known primarily as a whiskey bar, Seven Grand offers the best of that and more. Manned by some of the best bartenders in LA, you won't go wrong with a menu classic like the Mint Julep (left) or a specially concocted Pisco Sour. Oh, and if you're sitting at the bar drinking beer, then I'm the girl glaring at you for wasting precious seats.

The Varnish118 E Sixth St, Los Angeles, CA 90014(213) 622-9999The worst kept secret in LA! "Hidden" in the back room of Cole's, The Varnish has recently been one of the most popular bars around. A small printed menu, but it does include "Bartender's Choice" so you can go a long way.